On February 27, 2024, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) of the Republic of the Philippines, in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), announced the issuance of a Red Notice for former Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. This international notice follows the local issuance of an arrest warrant for Mr. Teves on multiple serious charges, including murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.
An INTERPOL Red Notice is a global alert to locate and provisionally detain a person awaiting extradition or similar legal action, based on a valid arrest warrant from the requesting country. With more than 190 member countries, INTERPOL ensures the broad distribution of these notices, which are also accessible to international entities like the United Nations and International Criminal Court for arresting fugitives and conducting investigations.
Mr. Teves is specifically accused of masterminding the assassination of ten individuals, including the then-Governor Roel Degamo, in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, on March 4, 2023, which also resulted in numerous injuries to other individuals. Mr. Teves faces additional charges relating to the assassinations of three individuals from March to June 2019 in Negros Oriental, violations of The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and violations of Law on Explosives, following the discovery of high-caliber weapons and ammunition in his family’s compound.
On July 26, 2023 the ATC had designated Arnolfo A. Teves Jr. and his affiliated armed group as a terrorist organization, identifying both the group and its members as terrorist entities.
In lieu of the circumstances surrounding Teves, last February 8, 2024, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 had ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs to immediately cancel the passport of the former Congressman, to which the DFA complied.
The ATC urges international cooperation and vigilance to apprehend Mr. Teves, underscoring the global commitment to combating transnational crime and bringing fugitives to justice.
